The Marion County Board of Education took its first few steps toward searching for a new superintendent during a special-called meeting Tuesday night, May 7.
Dr. Chuck Hamilton unexpectedly announced his retirement Thursday evening, May 2.
Board Attorney Joe Mattingly informed the board that it had until May 31 to establish a screening committee. He also told board members that they must decide whether they want to hire a special search consultant, such as the Kentucky School Boards Association, or complete the search process in-house.
Board Chairman Michael Mullins appointed Vice Chairman Ed Hacker to sit on the superintendent search committee, which will also include two teachers in the district, one principal, one parent and one classified employee.
Teachers will vote for the two teachers. The principal is elected by the district principals. Parents will elect the parent representative, and the classified employees will elect their representative.
Because at least 8 percent of the district population is a minority, the screening committee must include a minority member. If no minority member is elected by any of the groups represented on the screening committee, then a minority representative will be elected by parents in the district. Individuals interested in serving on the screening committee may nominate themselves.
The board was scheduled to meet again for a regular scheduled meeting Tuesday, May 14, and were planning on deciding whether to hire a search consultant or complete the search process in-house.
“The faster that we can complete the process the faster we can have an individual that could be in touch with Dr. Hamilton before he leaves and be able to use his expertise on certain things that needs to be passed on,” Board Vice Chairman Ed Hacker said.
Board Member Mike Cecil agreed.
“I’m in favor of a seamless transition,” he said.